President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe has signed into law controversial constitutional amendments that extend his presidential term by two years until 2030 and abolish direct presidential elections, transferring the power to parliament. The 83-year-old leader, who had previously indicated he would step down in 2028, enacted these sweeping changes despite strong opposition from critics. The ruling ZANU-PF party, which dominates both the Senate and National Assembly, approved the bill late last month. The signing into law was officially announced in a special government gazette on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. Critics argue that these changes undermine democratic processes and allow for an extended stay in power without public mandate.
Key Players Involved
- President Emmerson Mnangagwa: Signed the constitutional amendment bill into law, extending his term and changing election procedures.
- ZANU-PF Party: Holds a parliamentary majority and approved the controversial bill.
- Opposition Figures: Have sharply criticized the amendments, viewing them as undemocratic.
Event Timeline
- Late June 2026: Both houses of parliament (dominated by ZANU-PF) approved the constitutional amendment bill.
- July 14, 2026: President Mnangagwa signed the constitutional amendment act into law, published as Act Number 6 of 2026.
